Londonderry - Wikishire Londonderry constituency: Foyle Londonderry is the county town of County Londonderry , and the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland . The city stands at the mouth of the River Foyle as the rivermouth becomes Lough Foyle . The old walled city lies on the west bank of the River Foyle, which is spanned by two bridges. The city now covers both banks (Cityside on the west and Waterside on the east). The population of the city proper (the area defined by its 17th century charter) was 83,652 in the 2001 Census, while the wider urban area had a population of 90,663. [1] Londonderry is close to the border with County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland , with which it has had a close link for many centuries. Contents Geography The Craigavon Bridge Londonderry is set in amongst a hilly landscape. The River Foyle forms a deep valley as it flows through the city, making Londonderry a place of very steep streets and sudden, startling views.

The original walled city of Londonderry lies on a hill on the west bank of the River Foyle. In the past, the river branched and enclosed this wooded hill as an island; over the centuries, however, the western branch of the river dried up and became a low-lying and boggy district that is now called the Bogside. [2] Today, modern Londonderry extends considerably north and west of the city walls and east of the river. The half of the city the west of the Foyle is known as the Cityside and the area east is called the Waterside. The Cityside and Waterside are connected by the Craigavon Bridge and Foyle Bridge. Name The city's earlier name, "Derry", is an Anglicisation of the Gaelic word Doire from the original Irish name Doire Cholmchille meaning "oak-wood of St Columba". In 1613, the city was granted a Royal Charter by King James I and in recognition of the contribution of the City of London livery companies in the city's re-foundation, the charter changed the name of the city to Londonderry.

The city is often known as simply Derry, though since the 1960s the choice of name has become a source of controversy, as Irish nationalists choose to object to the name Londonderry seeing it as a sign of British imperialism and unionists therefore avoid the abbreviation. In the Republic of Ireland, the city and county are almost always referred to as "Derry" on maps and in the media. [3] Official road signs in Northern Ireland use the name "Londonderry" (or abbreviated to "L'derry") while those in the Republic pointing to the city use only Derry (or Doire). The city is also nicknamed the Maiden City by virtue of the fact that its walls were never breached during the Siege of Derry in the late 17th century. [4] It was also nicknamed Stroke City by local broadcaster, Gerry Anderson, due to the 'politically correct' use of the oblique notation Derry/Londonderry. A recent addition to the landscape has been the erection of several large stone columns on main roads into the city welcoming drivers, euphemistically, to "the walled city." City walls A portion of the city walls of Londonderry.

Bishops Street Gate Londonderry is the only remaining completely intact walled city in the island of Ireland and one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. [5] [6] The walls constitute the largest monument in State care in Northern Ireland and, as the last walled city to be built in Europe, stands as the most complete and spectacular. [7] The Walls were built during the period 1613-1619 by The Honourable The Irish Society as defences for early 17th century settlers from Great Britain. The Walls are approximately 1 mile in circumference and vary in height and width between 12 and 35 feet. They are completely intact and form a walkway around the inner city. The walls provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance style street plan. The four original gates to the Walled City are Bishop’s Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Butcher Gate and Shipquay Gate to which three further gates were added later, Magazine Gate, Castle Gate and New Gate, making seven gates in total.

Historic buildings within the walls include the 1633 Gothic cathedral of St Columb, the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall and the courthouse. Londonderry is one of the few cities in Europe that never saw its fortifications breached, withstanding several sieges including one in 1689 which lasted 105 days, hence the city's nickname, The Maiden City. [8] History St Columb's Cathedral The city has long been a focal point for important events in Irish history, including the 1688-1689 Siege of Derry. Early history The person traditionally seen as the founder of the original Derry is Saint Columba, or Colmcille, a missionary monk from Tír Chonaill, the old name for almost all of modern County Donegal and the west bank of the Foyle. The earliest historical references date to the 6th century when Columba founded a monastery at Doire Calgaich, which became Doire Cholmchille. According to oral and documented history, the site was granted to Columba by a local Ulster king.

[9] The monastery then remained in the hands of the federation of Columban churches who regarded Columba as their spiritual mentor. While the traditional foundation year of 546 is accepted to be erroneous, it is accepted that Derry was known primarily as a monastic settlement between the 6th and 11th centuries. The town became strategically more significant during the Tudor conquest of Ireland and came under frequent attack, until in 1608 it was destroyed by Cahir O'Doherty, Irish chieftain of Inishowen. [10] Plantation Planters organised by London livery companies through The Honourable The Irish Society arrived in the 17th century as part of the plantation of Ulster, and built the city of Londonderry across the Foyle from the earlier town, with walls to defend it from Irish insurgents who did not welcome the occupation. The aim was to settle Ulster with a population supportive of the Crown. Londonderry was the first planned city in Ireland: it was begun in 1613, with the walls being completed 5 years later in 1618, at a cost of £10,757.

[11] The central diamond within a walled city with four gates was thought to be a good design for defence. The grid pattern chosen was subsequently much copied in the colonies of British North America. [12] The charter initially defined the city as extending three Irish miles from the centre. The modern city preserves the 17th century layout of four main streets radiating from a central Diamond to four gateways — Bishop's Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Shipquay Gate and Butcher's Gate. The city's oldest surviving building was also constructed at this time: the 1633 Plantation Gothic Cathedral of St Columb. In the porch of the cathedral is a stone that records completion with the inscription: If stones could speake, then London's prayse should sound, Who built this church and cittie from the grounde. [13] 17th-century upheavals During the 1640s, the city suffered in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, which began with the Irish Rebellion of 1641, when the Gaelic Irish insurgents made a failed attack on the city.

In 1649 the city and its garrison, which supported the English Parliament against the King, were besieged by Scottish Presbyterian forces loyal to King Charles I. The Parliamentarians besieged in Londonderry were relieved by a strange alliance of Roundhead troops under George Monck and the Irish Catholic general Owen Roe O'Neill. These temporary allies were soon fighting each other again however, after the landing in Ireland of the New Model Army in 1649. The war in Ulster was finally brought to an end when the Parliamentarians crushed the Irish Catholic Ulster army at the battle of Scarrifholis in nearby Donegal in 1650. During the Glorious Revolution of 1688, only Londonderry and nearby Enniskillen had a Protestant garrison by November 1688. An army of around 1,200 men, mostly "Redshanks" (Highlanders), under Alexander Macdonnell, 3rd Earl of Antrim, was slowly organised (they set out on the week William of Orange landed in England). When they arrived on 7 December 1688 the gates were closed against them and the Siege of Derry began.

In April 1689, King James came to the city and summoned it to surrender. The King was rebuffed and the siege lasted until the end of July with the arrival of a relief ship. 18th and 19th centuries Map of County Londonderry 1837 The city was rebuilt in the 18th century with many of its fine Georgian style houses still surviving. The city's first bridge across the River Foyle was built in 1790. During the 18th and 19th centuries the port became an important embarkation point for Irish emigrants setting out for North America. Some of these founded the colonies of Derry and Londonderry in the state of New Hampshire. Also during the 19th century, it became a destination for migrants fleeing areas more severely affected by the Irish Potato Famine. [14] One of the most notable shipping lines was the McCorkell Line operated by Wm. McCorkell & Co. Ltd. from 1778. [15] The McCorkell's most famous ship was the Minnehaha, which was known as the "Green Yacht from Derry".

[15] After Irish independence During the Irish War of Independence, the area was rocked by sectarian violence, partly prompted by the guerrilla war raging between the Irish Republican Army and British forces, but also influenced by economic and social pressures. By mid 1920 there was severe sectarian rioting in the city. Many lives were lost and in addition many Catholics and Protestants were expelled from their homes during this communal unrest. After a week's violence, a truce was negotiated by local politicians on both unionist and republican sides. In 1921, following the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the partition of Ireland, it unexpectedly became a border city, separated from much of its traditional economic hinterland in County Donegal . During the Second World War, the city played an important part in the Battle of the Atlantic. Ships from the Royal Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy, and other Allied navies were stationed in the city and the United States military established a base.

The reason for such a high degree of military and naval activity was self-evident: Londonderry was the United Kingdom's westernmost port; indeed, the city was the westernmost Allied port in Europe: thus, Londonderry was a crucial jumping-off point, together with Glasgow and Liverpool, for the shipping convoys that ran between Europe and North America. The large numbers of military personnel in Londonderry substantially altered the character of the city, bringing in some outside colour to the local area, as well as some cosmopolitan and economic buoyancy during these years. At the conclusion of the Second World War, eventually some 60 U-boats of the German Kriegsmarine ended in the city's harbour at Lisahally after their surrender. [16] Landmarks Bishop Street Courthouse Long Tower Church Londonderry is renowned for its architectural quality. This can be primarily ascribed to the formal planning of the historic walled city of Londonderry at the core of the modern city.

This is centred on the Diamond with a collection of late Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings maintaining the gridlines of the main thoroughfares (Shipquay Street, Ferryquay Street, Butcher Street and Bishop Street) to the City Gates. St Columb's Cathedral does not follow the grid pattern reinforcing its civic status. This Church of Ireland Cathedral was the first Cathedral built after the Reformation in the British Isles. A Roman Catholic cathedral, St Eugene's Cathedral, was built in the Bogside in the 19th-century. The more recent infill buildings within the walls are of varying quality and in many cases these were low quality hurriedly constructed replacements for 1970s bomb damaged buildings. The Townscape Heritage Initiative has funded restoration works to key listed buildings and other older structures. In the three centuries since their construction, the city walls have been adapted to meet the needs of a changing city. The best example of this adaptation is the insertion of three additional gates — Castle Gate, New Gate and Magazine Gate — into the walls in the course of the 19th century. Today, the fortifications form a continuous promenade around the city centre, complete with cannon, avenues of mature trees and views across Londonderry.

Historic buildings within the city walls include St Augustine's Church, which sits on the city walls close to the site of the original monastic settlement; the copper-domed Austin's department store, which claims to the oldest such store in the world; and the imposing Greek Revival Courthouse on Bishop Street. The red-brick late-Victorian Guildhall, also crowned by a copper dome, stands just beyond Shipquay Gate and close to the river front. There are many museums and sites of interest in and around the city, including the Foyle Valley Railway Centre, the Amelia Earhart Centre and Wildlife Sanctuary, the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, Ballyoan Cemetery, The Bogside, numerous sectarian murals, the Guildhall, the Harbour Museum, Chapter House Museum, the Workhouse Museum, the Nerve Centre, St Columb's Park and Leisure Centre, St Eugene's Cathedral, Creggan Country Park, The Millennium Forum and the Foyle and Craigavon bridges. Future projects include the Walled City Signature Project, which intends to ensure that the city's walls become a world class tourist experience. [17] The city has seen a large boost to its economy in the form of tourism over the last few years.

Cheap flights offered by budget airlines have enticed many people to visit the city. Tourism mainly focuses around the pubs, mainly those of Waterloo Street. Other attractions include museums, the sites of the town and trips to the Giant's Causeway , 50 miles away. The Foyle Bridge The Big Tickle Comedy Festival (March) City Of Derry Jazz And Big Band Festival in April The Foyle Film Festival (November); the biggest film festival in Northern Ireland. Tomo-Dachi, Ireland's largest Anime convention The "Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival" [1] (October) The Maiden City Festival – a weeklong festival in which the Apprentice Boys of Derry celebrate The Siege of Derry The Instinct Festival (Easter) - an annual youth festival celebrating the Arts The Millennium Forum is the main theatre in the city, it holds numerous shows weekly Outside links Londonderry LONDONDERRY Description of County Londonderry | Bishop's Gate | View of Londonderry | Londonderry Map NAME.—County named from the city. The most ancient name of Londonderry was Derry Calgagh, i.e., the derry or oak-wood of Calgach. In veneration for St.

Columkille, who erected his monastery in Derry in 546, it began in the 10th or 11th century to be called Derry Columkille; and this continued to the time of James I., whose charter, granted to a company of London merchants, imposed the name Londonderry. SIZE AND POPULATION.—Length from Magilligan Point to the Ballinderry River, 40 ½ miles; breadth from the southwestern corner beside the Foyle, to the northwestern boundary near Coleraine, 35 miles; area 816 square miles; population 164,991. SURFACE.—A belt of level land stretches more than half round the county from Lough Neagh, by Colerain to the Foyle, six or seven miles broad along the Bann, but much narrower along Lough Foyle. There is a large tract of beautiful level country in the center; and the south of the county is mountainous, the southern border, where it verges on Tyrone, remarkably so—an almost uninterrupted mass of high mountains.

MOUNTAINS AND HILLS.—In the southwest, the Sperrin Mountains run in a curve from near Strabane in Tyrone to near Garvagh in this county, lying partly in Tyrone, partly on the border between Tyrone and Londonderry, and partly in Londonderry. The chief summits touching or belonging to Londonderry are Sawel (2,240); a mile to the southwest of it, Dart (2,040); Meenard (2,061), 3 miles from Sawel, nearly due east, and Oughtmore (1,878) 2 miles east of Meenard—these four being on the boundary with Tyrone.

The following are in Londonderry: Barnes Top (1,506) and Mullaghash (1,581), northwest of Meenard; and as you go northeast from this, Craigagh (1,489), near Oughtmore; Mullaghmore (1,825), White Mountain (1,774), Brown Hill (1,278), and Streeve (1,282), all four close to each other; Glenshane Mountain (1,507), and Craigmore (1,306). South of these, and west of Draperstown, are Knockbrack (1,735), and on the boundary Slieveavaddy (1,605) and Mullaghturk (1,353); all these belonging to a range separated from the Sperrin Mountains by the valley of Glenelly River. Toward the southeastern corner of the county stands the short range of Slieve Gallion (1,623), separated from the Sperrin Mountains by the valley of the Moyola River.

Five miles south of Londonderry city is Slievekirk (1,219), on the boundary with Tyrone. The following are in the interior: Benbradagh (1,536), northeast of Dungiven; north of this, Craiggore (1,277), Boyd's Mountain (1,077) and Keady Mountain (1,101), near Newton Limavady; and north of the same town, about half way toward Magilligan Point, Binevenagh (1,260), almost detached, and commanding a beautiful view on all sides. Loughermore (1,298) lies southwest of Limavady; and northwest from Sawe are Meeny Hilll (1,198) and Straid Hill (1,002). COAST LINE.—That part of the coast lying between Portrush and the mouth of the Bann is bold, rocky, and cliffy. From the mouth of the Bann, round by Magilligan, the strand is flat and sandy; but a mile or two inland there are fine cliffs and hills, culminating in Binevenagh.

From Bellarena west to the Foyle, both shore and interior are flat, but well cultivated and very beautiful. The only cape of any consequence is Magilligan Point, a sandy projection, confining on the east the entrance to Lough Foyle. RIVERS.—The Bann, issuing from Lough Neagh, runs on the boundary between Antrim and Londonderry for a mile, then after flowing through Antrim for half a mile, it expands into Lough Beg: issuing from Lough Beg, it again forms the boundary for 22 miles down to Colebreene; and from that to the mouth, a distance of 10 miles, it flows through Londonderry. A mile above Coleraine it falls over a ledge of rocks, forming the "Salmon Leap" cascade, where there is a great salmon fishery. On the west side, the Foyle flows through this county for the last 11 miles of its course. The Faughan rises at the base of Sawel Mountain, and running northwest, flows into the mouth of the Foyle.

The Faughan receives as tributaries, on the left bank, the Glenrandal, which rises in Tyrone, and the Berry Burn, rising in Slievekirk; and on the right bank the Burn Toilet. The Roe rises on the southern boundary at a great height among the Sperrin Mountains, and flowing in a general direction northward, it passes by Dungiven and Newton Limavady, and enters Lough Foyle. The Moyola flows from the mountains in the southwest border, and running first northeast, next east, and lastly southeast, it enters the northwest corner of Lough Neagh. Like the Roe, it rises at a great elevation, and is subject to sudden floods. Its tributaries are: on the right bank, the White Water and the Grange Water; on the left bank, the Glengomna and the Douglas. South of this, the Ballinderry River forms the boundary with Tyrone for the last 8 or 10 miles of its course, and enters Lough Neagh; a little higher up it also runs on the same boundary for a mile and a half.

It receives the Lissan Stream on the left bank, which flows partly on the boundary with Tyrone, but chiefly through Londonderry. The Londonderry tributaries of the Bann, north of the Moyola, are the following: The Claudy flows east and joins the Bann half a mile below Portglenone, receiving as tributaries on its left bank the Grilagh and the Knockoneill River. Below this is the Inverroe Water; next the Agivey River, which is joined on the left bank by the Aghadowey River and by the Mettican River; and lastly the Macosquin River. LAKES.—Lough Neagh forms the boundary for 8 miles, and Lough Beg for 3 ½ miles. In the southwest, Lough Fea and the mountain pool Lough Ouske lie on the boundary with Tyrone.

TOWNS.—Londonderry (29,162,) the assize town, built on a hill rising over the left or western shore of the Foyle, is a most picturesque city, rendered highly interesting by its remains of antiquity, especially the old walls, gates, and bastions that formerly defended the town. On the eastern side of the county is Coleraine (5,899), on the Bann, 4 miles from its mouth. Higher up, Kilrea (935) is half a mile from the river. On the Roe are, Newtown Limavady (2,954); and Dungiven (761), in a beautiful valley, with the ruins of a castle and of a very ancient abbey. Magherafelt (1,514) stands in the southeast, 4 miles from the shore of Lough Neagh; near it, on the Moyola River, is Castledawson (511); a little higher up, near but not quite on the same river, Tobermore (347); and higher up still, Draperstown, half a mile from the river.

Maghera (1,124), a little to the north of the Moyola, is a place of great antiquity, with a most interesting and very ancient church ruin; Garvagh (708) is farther north, 4 miles from the Bann; Moneymore (588), in the southeastern corner, is a very neat town; and on the north coast, Port Stewart (556) is a pretty watering place, and much patronized. ANCIENT DIVISIONS AND DESIGNATIONS.—-Londonderry formed a part of the ancient territory of Tir Owen, i.e., the land of Owen, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. The barony of Keenaght represents the ancient territory of Cianachta, or Cianachta of Glengiven, which was in early times the territory of the O'Conors; but they were dispossessed a short time before the English invasion by the O'Cahans or O'Kanes.

One mile above Coleraine, towering over the right bank of the river, is a great fort or mound, one of the largest in the country, now called Mountsandel, but anciently Dun-da-bheann (pron. Dundavan'), or the fort of the two peaks or gables, which was the residence of a chief called "Niall of the brilliant deeds" a little before the Christian era, and which is celebrated in ancient Irish romance. A still more celebrated fort lay about 5 miles west of this in the parish of Dundo; it is now called the Giant's Sconce, but it was the ancient Dun Kehern, the residence of Kehern, one of the Red Branch Knights. (See Armagh .) In Roe Park, near Newtown Limavady, is a long mound now called "the Mullah" or "Daisy Hill;" this is the ancient Drumket, celebrated for the convention held there 574 by Aed, the son of Ainmirè, king of Ireland, which was attended by the chief people of the country, both lay and ecclesiastical, among others by St. Columkille, and in which various important national matters were settled.

Annals of the Famine in Ireland Annals of the Famine in Ireland, by Asenath Nicholson, still has the power to shock and sadden even though the events described are ever-receding further into the past. When you read, for example, of the poor widowed mother who was caught trying to salvage a few potatoes from her landlord’s field, and what the magistrate discovered in the pot in her cabin, you cannot help but be appalled and distressed. The ebook is available for download in .mobi (Kindle), .epub (iBooks, etc.) and .pdf formats. For further information on the book and author see details » . Derry Northern Ireland County Derry Ireland Information Derry Tourist Information Londonderry Attractions River Foyle Londonderry tourist information Welcome To Derry! The story of Derry is a long and tumultuous one.

Set on a hill on the banks of the Foyle estuary, strategically close to the open sea, it came under siege and attack for over a thousand years Derry to the Catholics and nationalists, Londonderry to the Protestants and unionists, the town stands on the River Foyle just as it wends its way into becoming the lake of the same name. Derry is the second city of Northern Ireland, well developed since the arrival of the master tradesmen who arrived from London four hundred years ago. Its geographic location made it a centre of trade, and its politics made it an important place to defend too. High walls were built around the city centre, and they served the city well when James II laid siege to the town in 1689. A Catholic rival (and once serving monarch) of Protestant William of Orange to the British throne, James II’s siege ended with thousands of the city’s defenders dying of disease or starvation. The walls themselves can be enjoyed from a historical perspective through a walk from the Tower Museum. St Columb’s Cathedral is one landmark you will pass behind Bishop’s Gate. This is a memorial to the great siege.

Limavady is five miles west of Coleraine and a place for golf fanatics and cliff enthusiasts. The golf resort of Castleknock overlooks the cliffs, while the buildings on the edge of the cliffs appear to be a hodge podge of architecture. Downhill Castle was built in the 1780s by the Protestant bishop of Londonderry (who was also the fourth earl of Bristol). The ruins feature a walled garden and a domed building called Mussenden Temple. For fans of Nobel Laureates, you can check out Bellaghy Bawn, a fortified farmhouse first constructed in 1613. It features an exhibit on the life and times of Seamus Heaney, Ireland’s most famous living poet and a lecturer in the same field. If you happen to be in Ireland and Heaney is giving a reading or a lecture nearby, it might be worth your while to check him out, provided you can get into the reading.

General information Derry County Derry, also known as Londonderry, is one of six counties that form Northern Ireland, situated in the north of the island of Ireland The county�s highest point is the summit of Sawel Mountain (678m), part of the Sperrin Mountains on the border with County Tyrone. The mountain range dominates the southern skyline of the county, with the valleys of the Bann and Foyle rivers to the east and west, the shore of Lough Neagh in the south-east, and the steep cliffs and remarkable beaches of the Atlantic coast to the north. Derry is truly a county of great natural beauty. The county also has number of sites of historical interest, including the well-preserved 17th-century city walls of Derry, the National Trust-owned Plantation estate at Springhill, the Mussenden Temple and the noted bird sanctuaries on the eastern shore of Lough Foyle.

Derry-Londonderry-Doire clipper arrives in River Foyle - BBC News Derry-Londonderry-Doire clipper arrives in River Foyle By Dean McLaughlin BBC News NI 23 June 2014 Close share panel Image caption The crew received a rapturous welcome after arriving in the Foyle The Derry-Londonderry-Doire yacht has arrived in the River Foyle after taking part in the Clipper Round the World Race. Thousands of people lined the quay from 10:00 BST on Monday to welcome the crew, who won the home leg of the race. The crew left Greencastle in County Donegal at 08:00 BST and arrived at the Foyle marina at 11:00 BST. Fireworks and cheers welcomed the crew to Derry for the penultimate stopover on the world's longest ocean race. A nine-day maritime festival began in Derry on Saturday. Image caption Thousands of people lined the quay to welcome the clipper crew The Red Arrows will fly over Lough Foyle on 29 June to close the festival.

The 2,800-mile leg from New York to Derry was the 14th stage in the 16-series race. Proud The win puts the crew in fourth place and in contention to challenge for the third spot on the podium. Sean McCarter, from Derry, is one of the skippers on the Derry-Londonderry-Doire yacht. Media captionThe Derry-Londonderry-Doire yacht sailed up the River Foyle on Monday morning "I couldn't be any prouder of how this team has performed," said Mr McCarter. "We have always said this is our race and there was no way we were going to let anyone else stand on that podium in Derry ahead of us. "We've waited a long time for this moment and we can't wait to celebrate with everyone. "It's so nice to be home. There were a lot of tears. "You find different motivations for each race but the past week was definitely about coming home to Derry in first position. "There were difficult times out at sea and it was intense but it's an amazing experience.

"I'm looking forward to putting my feet up for a while and not having to worry about weather reports." Image caption Sean McCarter said he is "proud of the Derry people coming out" Mayor of Derry, Brenda Stevenson, said: "It is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved. "We are extremely proud of Sean McCarter and his team. "Derry has been put on the map once again and this will create a fantastic financial and tourism boost. "The Legenderry maritime festival has already been a huge success to date attracting thousands of families over the weekend." Organisers have said the race will come back to Londonderry in 2016. Sir Robin Knox Johnston, founder of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, said: "The enthusiasm in Derry is fantastic. "The amount of people coming out to see the yachts is unbelievable. "Sean McCarter was a great leader on the clipper. "When Andrew Taylor went overboard, Sean reacted very very well." 'Best welcome' Andrew Taylor, from London, went over the side of the Derry-Londonderry-Doire yacht in March and was rescued almost two hours later. "It's a pleasure to be in Derry," said Mr Taylor.

"What a welcome we got. It was pretty special. It really was the best welcome. "Everyday is a bonus for me now ever since I went overboard. "I did think it was all over at one stage. I lost sight of the boat and thought I was gone. "The suit I was wearing kept me alive. I love what I do." Walled City Heritage Trail Walled City Heritage Trail Your browser does not support inline frames HT Map Links We're on the Trail... Among the happiest of those sounds is the multi-lingual chatter of more international visitors than ever - from conference delegates and backpackers to cruise passengers and tourists of all kinds - who are discovering the delights of a compact city which is unlike any other. Having been awarded the 2013 first ever UK City of Culture and placed by Lonely Planet as the fourth best city to visit in 2013 by a panel of travel experts, Derry is the place to be! Londonderry, Derry, Doire or even 'Legenderry' as it has been recently renamed, is a centre of culture and creativity. Derry is now revealing to all-comers the creative vibrancy and generosity of spirit that has always been apparent to those who knew her best.

It's a city famous for its confident modern outlook as it is for the timeless quality of its craic. Long an undiscovered gem, Derry~Londonderry stands today in the midst of a compelling transformation. It is a city emerging from a long and colourful history to showcase its brilliance to the world, like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis of conflict. Here in our City you can expect many a smile of greeting from people who are noted worldwide for their friendly hospitality Meander through the bustling streets of the only completely Walled City in Ireland and the British Islesand listen to the echoes of 1450 years of history. Stroll along its 17th century walls which recently their 400th anniversary, and marvel at the ever-changing skyline of a city which is constant only in the warmth of its welcome. Stroll across the gleaming new Peace Bridge which curves majestically across the River Foyle leading to the spectacular new development at Ebrington. Gateway to Ireland's Northwest, our city is pulsing with life, resonant with centuries of heritage and passion, yet fresh as an Atlantic breeze.

This is a joyful regional centre filled with celebration and inspiration, as manifested in the number and quality of our festivals and special events throughout the year. Energetic, outward looking and high-spirited, this is truly a city for all seasons. We look forward to you joining us! 2013 saw the launch of a new Digital Atlas of Derry~Londonderry . See how our streets and buildings have changed and where areas of growth had developed and changed within the city over the centuries with simply the click of a button Discover Northern Ireland - Blog | An Outdoor Activity Break Guide to Derry~Londonderry - Discover Northern Ireland - Blog An Outdoor Activity Break Guide to Derry~Londonderry August 25, 2015 Posted by Jayne For those looking to mix a city break with outdoor adventures you won’t be disappointed when it comes to spending time in the historical city of Derry~Londonderry with friends! A thriving culture and arts scene, this is one city you won’t get bored in as the city comes alive with performances, gigs and festivals throughout the year.

With lots of action packed activities all within an hour’s drive of the city centre, it’s time to start planning with our guide to great outdoor adventures that await you in Derry~Londonderry! Stand up Paddle Boarding on the River Roe After a busy week in work you can look forward to this unique, chilled out and super fun experience on the River Roe with friends. With expert tuition from your Long Line Water Trails instructor, you will soon be on your way down the idyllic River Roe under the shadow of the beautiful Binevenagh Mountain kitted out with everything you need to get started as you learn the basic techniques of this ancient form of surfing. For those looking a big weekend in the heart of the city, stay just a stone’s throw from all the action of the pubs, clubs, restaurants and the vibrant night life in Maldron Hotel Derry whose new Lyric Bar and Grill showcases the city’s musical history in pictures. Swing N’ Roll in the Jungle Get ready for a day of adrenaline at The JungleNI , Moneymore whose swing n’ roll experience promises to be something you’ll never forget!

Harnessed into a giant 3 metre inflatable ball you’ll soon be rolling and bouncing your way down the hill, in an adrenaline rush you’ll never forget! Bring out the Tarzan or Jane in you as you take on Northern Ireland’s only tree top adventure course. Feel your knees wobble and watch your knuckles go white as you negotiate through 40 elements including bridges, scramble nets, tunnels, swings and a death defying power fan descent before coming back down to the ground on an exhilarating 200metre zipline through the trees. For a truly unforgettable escape after your activities, book an overnight stay in one of the Jungle’s Glamping Pods, available for hire to those who love the great outdoors but fear the battle with a soggy tent! Moon Lit Paddle along the Foyle Summer evenings outside don’t get much better than exploring the fabulous Foyle in the light of the moon and stars in a double sea kayak with Far and Wild ! The full moon brings out great conditions for a night learning to paddle and creates the best visibility to see the unique nocturnal creatures and wildlife as you travel down the river. There may even be a few spooky stories shared along the way!

Glam yourself up for a night out in the city from The City Hotel Derry where you can stay in 4* luxury in the heart of the city. With its panoramic views over the River Foyle which you explored earlier in the day, this is the ideal location for an overnight stay just steps away from the shops, restaurants and pubs. Glamping at Carrowmena For those who like the sound of a campout with friends catching up around a bonfire and toasting marshmallows and eating smores under the stars, all without the uncomfortable night spent in a tent, then you will love the glamping pods at Carrowmena Activity Centre , Limavady. Offering lots of choice when it comes to activities including canoeing, archery, zip lining to name just a few – you won’t risk getting bored on this mini break. Falling from the Sky For the real thrill seekers Wild Geese Skydiving Centre , Garvagh offers a view of Co. Derry~Londonderry from a whole new perspective, providing you keep your eyes open! Test your head for heights as you join one of their fully qualified instructors for a tandem skydive from around 10,000 ft.

free falling before your descent under the canopy. This really is a once in a lifetime experience! No doubt before jumping out of a plane you got very little sleep, so sleep easy after your skydive in the stylish and contemporary accommodation of the unique Waterfoot Hotel overlooking the River Foyle on the Waterside of the City, just a 15 minute walk from the iconic Peace Bridge. With so many great outdoor activities to choose from in Derry~Londonderry it makes sense to create a short break around the fun! From chic, city boutique hotels to rustic rural retreats and from self-catering apartments to outdoor glamping, Derry~Londonderry has a wonderful variety of accommodation for all tastes & budgets! For even more ideas of places to stay in and around the city check out Discover Northern Ireland Accommodation Finder .

Tags: Tours/Tour Guides Tours/Tour Guides General enquiries/feedback LeaderBanner In this section: Introduction to Derry/Londonderry Walled City Heritage Trail Tours/Tour Guides Excursions Photo Library Derry through the Years Tours & Tour Guides Start your tour with a stroll along the City Walls or take an Inner City Guided Walking Tour - historic tour or perhaps a literary tour with one of the well-informed and good-humoured Tour Guides - the city's history is so complex and its present is so dynamic that it takes a local expert to explain it all entertainingly and answer your questions. You can find a list of Tour Guides here Along your walk you can hear all about the famous 105-day siege of 1688 when the Apprentice Boys closed the Gates against the forces of King James II and stand beside a 1595 cannon on ancient ramparts. Then just a couple of steps away, you can hear Ireland's oldest bells ringing out from the spire of St. Columb's, the first Cathedral built after the Reformation. Your tour should take in all the main sights along the one-mile circuit, including the original Gates - Shipquay, Butcher, Bishop and Ferryquay.

The Walls are among the best preserved city fortifications in the Western World. They rise to a height of 8m ( 26ft) and in places are 9m (30ft) wide. Completed in 1618 to defend the Plantation city, the walls have never been breached in three major sieges - even during the 105 day siege of 1689 when 7,000 of the 30,000 population died of starvation. You can also find out the history and marvel at the beauty of some of the city's oldest churches, St Augustine's and St Columb's Church situated within the Walls. The newly renovated Guildhall Square, with its beautiful new fountains is overlooked by the City Walls and the historic Guildhall which is now open for tours. Meanwhile across the street the award winning Peace Bridge will take you across the River Foyle to Ebrington Square and the hidden gem of St Columb's Park, home to a unique Adventure Playground and vibrant festivals like the Carnivale of Colours. Why not take in the city on board an open top bus tour. Top Tours Ireland offer visitors the opportunity to see the city from on high.

Not to be missed! To see the city from a different perspective, take a Taxi Tour, River Cruise or go your own way with an MP3 tour. Derry~Londonderry also acts as a gateway and base which you can explore the beauty of the North West of Ireland. Tours are available from our Tourist Information Office to the stunning Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Ulster American Folk Park, Doagh Famine Village and tours of Donegal/the Inishowen Penninsula. In all a wealth of tour options await the visitor and don't forget to call into the Tourist Information Centre for updated tour information.

Question: Londonderry stands on which river?
Answer: FOYLE